Opportunity status: Upcoming
Funders: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Medical Research Council (MRC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Funding type: Grant
Total fund: £25,000,000
Publication date: 3 August 2026
Opening date: 10 August 2026 9:00am UK time
Closing date: 22 October 2026 4:00pm UK time
Apply for funding to deliver venture doctoral focal awards, offering entrepreneurship-focused doctoral training.
Applications can be led by organisations eligible for standard UKRI funding, or by organisations such as businesses or social enterprises that are accepted for non-standard eligibility before an award is made. Organisations can only lead on one application but can collaborate on more.
UKRI have £25 million available. We expect to fund one to three awards.
As a non-full economic cost award, UKRI will fund 100% of eligible costs listed in the opportunity, subject to subsidy control rules. Estates and indirect costs will not be funded.